September 17, 2009

Shalom,

Trying to be inconspicuous, I stood on the side of the large auditorium as Rachel entered with her adorable, and shoeless, young daughter in her arms. Her legs shaking and her face dripping with sweat, Rachel patiently waited in line to receive the food box that The Fellowship is providing for her and her family for the upcoming Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) holiday.

Rachel was obviously not well, and she struggled to hold her food box while still keeping a firm hand on her beautiful daughter. I darted over to offer my help. When I introduced myself and asked if I could help her carry the heavy food box back to her house, she gave me a warm and welcoming smile. She declined my offer, but requested a cup of water, which I immediately brought to her. It was then that we sat down and began to chat.

Rachel explained to me that, for six years, she has been sick with rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, which leave her in incredible pain. She reminisced about the days before she was sick, when she was a student studying for her college degree and working toward a brighter future. With one hand on her unstable leg and the other hand wiping a tear, she said, "I imagined that my life would be fulfilling and successful. I never expected I would have to rely on food boxes to eat."

Rachel went on to say that she is a single mother who relies on government disability checks to survive. She can barely afford the medicine she needs each month to treat her ailments. Her priority is Dana, her beautiful six-year-old daughter, who clung to her mother's side throughout our conversation. Before Rachel "treats" herself to anything, including medicine, she first ensures that Dana has clothing, food, and shelter.

While we were talking, Rachel opened up the Fellowship holiday food box and sat frozen for a moment. She then began to sob tears of relief and excitedly told me, "I thought Dana and I would only have bread and soup for Rosh Hashanah. This food box is straight from God. I cannot remember the last time we had a feast like this—with meat, rice, vegetables, and even juice." Then little Dana took a peek in the box and pulled out a bag of pasta, exclaiming, "Mommy, this is my favorite!" Rachel was speechless. She simply turned to me, gave me a hug, and headed home with Dana skipping happily beside her.

Rachel's story reminded me that, for the thousands of poor Israeli families struggling to survive every day, even preparing a holiday meal can become a source of anxiety and distress, rather than a source of joy. Thankfully, supporters of The Fellowship have stepped in to ensure that every needy Israeli family has food on their table this Rosh Hashanah, and throughout the Jewish High Holy Days that follow. Thank you so much for enabling the People of Israel to begin this Jewish New Year with food on their table and high spirits!

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy New Year from here in Jerusalem,


Yael